What it is: A dual USB universal rapid wall charger with power prongs that fold for greater portability. It's designed to charge one or two USB-powered devices, including smartphones and tablets and is compatible with the iPhone, iPad and various Android devices. Though the r2200 wallport typically comes alone or with only one USB cable, I tested it with both a micro USB cable and a 30-pin Apple-compatible cable. A Lightning USB cable also is available. Ventev's cables are flat, tangle-free, designed for rapid charging and available in seven colors.

The good: Because I carry an iPhone 4S and an iPad 4, I was able to use Ventev's 30-pin connector cable to charge my iPhone while simultaneously charging my iPad 4 with Apple's Lightning USB cable. The Wallport r2200 charges my iPad faster than the USB port on my 2009 iMac computer (it can do a total charge in five to six hours). But my iPad charges faster when I hook it up alone rather than simultaneously charging my iPhone. The wall charger also quickly charges my micro-USB devices. The r2200 worked well with my universal power adapter in Australia.

The bad: I wish the charger included a ground plug outlet to also charge my laptop. But that might interfere with the device's rapid-charging mechanism.

Cost: $35 with a single cable, either micro-USB or 30-pin Apple connector

Available from: airport retailers InMotion and BluWire and via ventev.com, abt.com and thecellguru.com.